Novak Djokovic will become the first singles player on either tour to hold onto the No. 1 ranking for an unprecedented 400 weeks following the conclusion of the ATP Finals.
Djokovic needed to dig deep to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record eighth time on Sunday night, defeating Holger Rune in three high-octane sets in his first round-robin match at the ATP Finals. It took him three hours and he held his serve to clinch victory.
Djokovic already holds the record for the most weeks at No. 1 by a singles player, starting his 399th week as of Monday, November 13. He ended Roger Federer's longstanding reign on that front two years ago when he surpassed his tally of 310 weeks. The Swiss is the only other man who has attained the 300-week mark.
The Serbian star then passed three WTA legends for the overall record among singles players on both tours namely Serena Williams (319), Martina Navratilova (332), and Steffi Graf (377), all in the span of two years.
The 36-year-old knew a single round-robin win in Turin would suffice in keeping the year-end No. 1 beyond Carlos Alcaraz's reach. There was a mix of relief and joy for Djokovic who has only played 12 tournaments on the ATP Tour this season - the fewest of any player in the Top 10.
Any additional wins or trophies this week would be a bonus according to Djokovic who only had one goal in his mind, which was to secure the year-end No. 1. And tallying a milestone 400th week and a potential seventh ATP Finals crown after the tournament will undoubtedly put the icing and the cherries on the cake.
400 weeks is approximately seven and half years of being the world's best player, which is truly one of a kind feat that is unlikely to be beaten anytime soon. He has also reigned at the top of the ATP rankings with as many weeks as 18 former ATP No. 1s combined.
It is worth noting that Djokovic has a long way to catch up with the overall record of the most weeks at No. 1 at all levels. That distinction is held by the Bryan Brothers, who were co-ranked at No. 1 for 438 weeks in doubles. Additionally, Mike Bryan has been ranked No. 1 for 506 weeks.
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